Life happens. Fickle doldrums rule. I get busy working through, around, and over things. The next thing you know, it’s been four months of silence. I can’t make any promises, but it is time to try to get back in the saddle. To keep going, I need your help. Leave a comment. Share a favorite post with friends. While photography is one way I escape and find myself, it only goes so far. I get far more inspiration from sharing than I ever get from doing. Your feedback is invaluable. But, enough of that! It’s time to get back to the backyard!
The Backyard Refuge
Over sixteen years in our home, it just gets more and more comfortable every day. The empty lots all have houses on them and many neighbors have come and gone. The best part is that small pond nestled behind a horseshoe of homes that is rarely without activity. On most days, I find myself looking out across the water at a variety of birds, waterfowl, turtles, occasional snakes, and infrequent fishing expeditions. No matter the season, that puddle of water in the backyard is a welcome mental respite.
This past Sunday was particularly special. I was in a less than stellar mood, content to steal myself away in quiet, indoor hobbies. Alerted that a different species of heron had appeared, I grabbed my camera and snuck around the house to get a proper angle on the pond without alerting the wildlife. The next fifteen minutes or so were full of activity. I was constantly panning across a 180 degree swath capturing everything from the daily squirrels, mallards, and geese to the less common herons and blue teals.
Getting Out More
For the past month or so, I have been telling myself to get back into the habit of early morning shoots. Get up early on Saturday or Sunday and pick a random place to take my camera. It is always fun to do this with a model, but the wildlife is usually just as happy to provide subject matter. Seeing all of the activity in my backyard was certainly a positive reminder of the inspiration waiting to be discovered.
The question now is who would like to join me?
